FARRAUTO BERMAN SLATER & MICHAELI - Key Persons
In her 16 years of practicing law, Adrienne has developed a reputation for compassionate, but zealous advocacy and litigation. Always mindful of the emotional toll that family law matters can impose, Adrienne will keep you informed each step of the way and skillfully guide you through the process. Having spent over 10 years as a prosecutor with the Westchester County District Attorney's Office where she successfully prosecuted cases involving, among other things, domestic violence, assault, violations of orders of protection, Leandra's Law, and drug related offenses, Adrienne possesses a unique understanding of some of the more difficult issues that can arise in families and relationships. Adrienne's exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills have earned her the respect and trust of many attorneys and judges. She represents clients in both the Supreme and Family Courts of Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland Counties, as well as all five boroughs of New York City. Adrienne is admitted to practice in New York (Second Department), as well as in the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts. Outside of work, Adrienne is a volunteer with the French Bulldog Rescue Network and enjoys travel and photography.
Adrienne graduated Magna Cum Laude from Marist College with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and from the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.
Cheryl has practiced almost exclusively matrimonial and family law for well over a decade. In doing so, she has successfully guided clients through all aspects of family law including negotiating prenuptial agreements, custody and support proceedings, divorce, and the resolution of post-divorce matters. She recognizes that family issues which lead clients to Family Court and/or Supreme Court are often life changing. As such, her practice of law is zealous but always cognizant of the practical and emotional implications of settlement negotiations and litigation. She also handles related matters that often arise in the wake of family law proceedings including real estate, probate and administration proceedings, wills, powers of attorney, and health care proxies. She represents clients in both the Supreme and Family Courts of Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland Counties as well as all five boroughs of New York City.
Job Titles:
- Attorney at Law and Civic Role Model
Howard E. Berman grew up in Yonkers. He has practiced law in the city of Yonkers since July 1965. He has been equally committed to bettering the Yonkers community through his vast contribution to a wide variety of Yonkers Civic Organizations. Howard E. Berman is a graduate of Yonkers High School, Class of 1957. The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania at which he received a Bachelor's Degree in Economics 1961 while majoring in Accounting, Columbia Law School 1964 and New York University Graduate Law (LLM in taxation)1967. Howard is admitted to the New York State Bar, the Florida Bar, Federal District Courts, U.S. Tax Court and the Supreme Court of the United States. Howard is currently a partner at Farrauto, Berman and Slater specializing in estate planning, wills, tax matters, land and real estate. Howard is the President of the Yonkers Police Athletic League (PAL) and has been involved as Counsel since 1982. In 1995 the PAL honored him as its Man of the Year. Since 1970 Howard has been a member of the Yonkers Lions Club. He served as President in 1980 and 1981. In 2008 Howard was the recipient of the "Lifetime of Service Award" from Lions International. He is a former Trustee of the NYS and Bermuda Lions Foundation. In 2014 he volunteered for a medical mission in the Dominican Republic called "Operation Restore Vision" under the auspices of New York Eye and Ear Hospital. Howard is also a former trustee of Dunwoodie Lodge #863 Free and Accepted Masons. He was formally Chairman of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce 1989-1990 and has served as its Counsel for over 20 years. Howard and wife of 52 years, Carole, are the proud parents of 3 children Michelle, Renee and Marc and 5 grandchildren. In his spare time, Howard enjoys playing bridge and poker.
Firm founders John P. Farrauto and Howard E. Berman are both Yonkers natives. Both were past presidents of the Yonkers Lawyers Association when they came together to form a partnership in 1979. They are as committed to the local community as they are to their clients, serving on many local boards and donating their time to many local causes. Attorney Cheryl E. Slater joined the firm in 2005, becoming a partner in 2009. She brings over a decade of family law experience to the firm and is committed to helping families find efficient, cost-effective solutions during divorce, child custody disputes and other family law matters. Attorney Lauren E. Michaeli joined the firm in 2013 and became a partner in 2018. She practices in both family law and related criminal defense matters. She was one of the youngest lawyers to appear in Supreme Court, Westchester County and is already an experienced and respected litigator, having represented hundred of clients throughout the state. For more information about our lawyers, please refer to their individual biographies linked below.
John P. Farrauto has been practicing law in and around Yonkers, New York for over fifty years. While much of his practice has been in family law, he is also well versed and experienced in real estate, commercial matters, and trusts and estates. John was lead counsel for the plaintiff in the seminal case of Mahoney-Buntzman v. Buntzman, 12 NY3d 415 (2009) from the trial level through oral argument in the New York Court of Appeals. John is a graduate of both Fordham University School of Law and Fordham University. John is admitted to practice in New York (Second Department), United States Supreme Court, and United States Federal Court, Southern District of New York. Throughout the years, John has taken an active role in the legal community including the following past positions: President of Yonkers Lawyers Association, Chair of the Family Law Section of the Westchester County Bar Association, Treasurer and Board Member of the Mental Health Association of Westchester, Board Member of Center for Preventative Psychiatry (and honoree), President of Yonkers Jaycee's, Chair of Mount Saint Michael's Directory (and honored as Legend of the Mount).
Lauren is a Partner at Farrauto Berman Slater & Michaeli, a boutique law firm that specializes primarily in family law, including matrimonial matters, custody, pre-nuptial agreements, support, etc. in Westchester County. Lauren has handled many cases involving sensitive matters such as infidelity, domestic violence and sexual abuse allegations. Lauren began her career as an impassioned litigator in January 2013, jumping right into court as one of the youngest attorneys appearing in Supreme Court, Westchester County. Since then, she has represented hundreds of clients in various courts throughout the State of New York. Graduating from Fordham Law with the Archibald R. Murray Award, summa cum laude and from New York University, cum laude with a concentration in social work and business communications, she dedicates herself fully to her clients' legal and emotional entanglements. Lauren is well known for her compassion and dedication to her clients, serving not just as a lawyer but also as a friend.
Lauren served as a Committee Member of the New York State Bar Association Committee on Children and the Law, and is a member of the Yonkers Lawyer Association and Westchester County Bar Association, Family Law Section. In 2015, Lauren received recognition in Who's Who of Distinguished Alumni as a notable new lawyer. In 2016 and 2017, she received the "10 Best in Client Satisfaction" Award from the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and was recognized as one of the Three Best Divorce Lawyers in Yonkers, New York by ThreeBestRated.com. She was further recognized in 2017 by Attorney and Practice Magazine as one of New York's top 10 Family Law Attorneys, and was honored by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys as one of the "Top 10 under 40" for Family Law Attorneys in New York. Outside of her legal work, Lauren developed the indoor cycling program for ChaisePedal in New York City, teaches megaformer classes at SLT (Strengthen, Lengthen, Tone) and volunteers for Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue and Long Island Chihuahua Rescue.